Pun Salad

Here are some reasons I thought I might like this movie:

• It's Norwegian, and I am ethnically Norwegian.

• It got a high Tomatometer score from the critics (86%)

• It got "Amanda" awards (Norwegian Oscars) for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.

• One of the actors is named "Elisabeth Sand", and it's possible she's a distant relative.

It's the story of two young friends, both aspiring writers. One has early success, but an ill-fated romantic entanglement turns him into a self-destructive nutcase. The other tries to be supportive, but is impeded by his professional jealousy. (Or maybe he's just an idiot; it's hard to tell with these guys.)

There's a lot of angst and enigmatic dialog. But the characters aren't very likeable or interesting, unless, I guess, you're a moody Norwegian writer.

Not for the first time in my life, I said a silent thanks to my grandparents and great-grandparents for emigrating to America. (To any Norwegians reading this: just kidding!)